Calendar

From classes to concerts, there’s always something happening at Merit School of Music!

Academic Year Program Calendars

Download program calendars for the full academic year.

2026-27 Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory

2025-2026 Group Classes

2025-2026 Private Lessons

This Month at Merit

Browse upcoming events and programming, using filters to find exactly what you need.

Concerts & Special Events

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Events

Today

  • Alexis Lombre smiling with her head thrown back against a dark background. There is a bright purple light shining on her

    Play On 2024

    Featured
    City Winery 1200 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Join Merit School of Music for a special concert benefiting equal access to music education at City Winery! We are thrilled to announce that Merit alum Alexis Lombre will headline our 6th annual Play On, with additional performances by Merit alum Mae Ya Ryan Carter and Merit’s very own Honors Jazz Combo. Enjoy the gorgeous music, bid […]

    $25 – $45

  • Dia de los Muertos Sensory- and Family-Friendly Concert

    Dia de los Muertos FREE Sensory & Family-Friendly Concert

    Featured
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Join Merit’s Wind Symphony for a free concert celebrating a Latin American tradition originating in Mexico, featuring music from Encanto and Coco. Audience members will be welcome to move, dance, make noise, or partake in any way which helps them to enjoy the music. Families and those with sensory processing sensitivities welcome. Save the date! […]

  • An orchestra plays in a shopping center. A Christmas tree and lights surround them.

    Holiday Performance at Willis Tower

    Willis Tower 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Students from our strings programs at Frederic Chopin Elementary School and Burbank Elementary School will perform a special holiday concert at Willis Tower.

  • Four students in a percussion ensemble play various drums and percussion instruments.

    Conservatory Winter Concerts

    Featured Conservatory Winter Concerts
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Join us for our Winter Concerts featuring the students of the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory on Friday and Saturday, 12/13-12/14. Friday, December 13 7pm Trombone Choir & Concert Band 7:50pm Symphonic Band & Wind Symphony Saturday, December 14 9am Instrumental Ensembles 11am Jazz 1pm Voice 3pm Merit Philharmonic

  • Four students in a percussion ensemble play various drums and percussion instruments.

    Conservatory Winter Concerts

    Featured Conservatory Winter Concerts
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Join us for our Winter Concerts featuring the students of the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory on Friday and Saturday, 12/13-12/14. Friday, December 13 7pm Trombone Choir & Concert Band 7:50pm Symphonic Band & Wind Symphony Saturday, December 14 9am Instrumental Ensembles 11am Jazz 1pm Voice 3pm Merit Philharmonic

  • A young child holds a violin while a teacher stands in front of her, showing her how to hold it properly.

    FREE Instrument Exploration! Workshop

    Featured
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Have a music-loving child who isn’t quite sure which instrument to choose? The best way to pick is by trying them all! This fun introductory workshop is designed to give kids of all ages the chance to explore various instruments and learn more about Merit’s programming. Our team of experts will introduce kids (and parents, too!) […]

  • Four students playing brass instruments look at their music stands.

    Group Class Concerts & Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Group class concerts are held during each group's specific class time in their classroom unless otherwise specified.

  • Orchestra Group Class Concert

    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events
  • Demarre McGill holding a flute

    Masterclass with Demarre McGill

    Featured
    Fine Arts Building 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative and Merit School of Music are thrilled to partner in bringing you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a masterclass with Merit alum and principal flute of the Seattle Symphony Demarre McGill. RSVP today!